# Palani Mutt land case accused dies in custody

2026-08-08T06:02:07+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

S Anwardeen (65), an accused in the multi-crore fraudulent registration of Palani Mutt land, died in judicial custody in Madurai on Friday night. He was brought back to Madurai Central Prison after three days of CB-CID questioning and complained of uneasiness. He was treated at the prison hospital before being rushed to Government Rajaji Hospital, where he was declared brought dead around 10.40 pm. Anwardeen had been arrested on July 28 and was wheelchair-bound due to paralysis, with diabetes and high blood pressure. A judicial inquiry has been ordered into the death. The CB-CID has arrested five others in the case, including a sub-registrar and document writer, for the illegal sale of land belonging to the Dhandayuthapani Swamigal Math, which serves the Palani hill temple.

## Coverage

- newindianexpress.com <https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2026/Aug/08/accused-in-palani-mutt-fraudulent-registration-case-dies-due-to-health-complications>
- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/palani-math-land-case-accused-anwardeen-dies-in-judicial-custody-in-madurai/article71320730.ece>

Tags: Anwardeen, CB-CID, fraudulent registration, Madurai, Palani mutt, prison death
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